COLUMBUS, Ind. — From former military leaders to current elected officials, nearly 50 people crowded into a Columbus courtroom to congratulate the most recent graduates of the Bartholomew County Veteran’s Court.
Since the first participants entered the voluntary program in 2017, the problem-solving treatment course has focused on helping non-violent veterans with service-related issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder or substance abuse disorders.
“It is a program that offers treatment alternatives that connect veterans with their earned VA benefits,” said Bartholomew Superior Court 1 Judge James Worton, who leads the program.
Problem-solving courts steer away from punishment if the defendant take the Veteran’s Court program seriously. Over a dozen mentors work with judges, prosecutors and staff to invert the traditional adversarial nature of criminal court proceedings. Instead, all parties work to address individual causes that lead veterans to be charged with criminal offenses.
The four graduates honored this week are:
- Christopher Thompson – U.S. Air Force
- Robert ‘Tony’ Wiseley – U.S. Army
- Ronald Taylor – U.S. Army and Indiana National Guard
- Mason Eden – U.S. Coast Guard
Veterans who complete the program typically have their charges reduced or dismissed. Statistics show those graduates are also unlikely to return to court for criminal offenses.
But getting through the intense program is difficult. Participants must complete five “levels”to graduate. Each level includes requirements for drug screenings, court visits and meeting with case managers.
For the complete story and more photos, see Saturday’s Republic.
